The Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center reports that southwestern Colorado is under a Red Flag Warning today with predictions of dry lightning storms, low chance of precipitation and low humidity levels. Because these conditions could result in the quick spread of any lightning ignitions, ground and air crews are standing by for quick initial attack response.

Ground crews were able to contain all but one of yesterday’s eight lightning fires, and a crew is hiking in this morning to the Cimarrona Fire northwest of Williams Creek Reservoir near Pagosa Springs, which is still burning and estimated at 1/10th of an acre in steep, rugged terrain. Meanwhile the Craig Hotshots remain stationed in the area, and two air tankers and two helicopters are prepositioned at the Durango Air Tanker Base.

The public is reminded that fire danger is increasing and everyone is cautioned to be very careful with fire. Reports of smoke can be called into the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 385-1324 or 911. The public is also invited to follow San Juan National Forest fire updates on TWITTER at SanJuanNF.